Protective Effect of Anthocyanin on Testicular Damage and Oxidative Stress Induced by Experimental Varicocele in Adult Rats: A Histological and Biochemical Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential protective impact of anthocyanin against tissue damage and oxidative stress provoked by varicocele within the testes of adult rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 male rats were divided into four groups as follows: a control group undergoing a sham procedure, a varicocele group without intervention (V), a varicocele group treated with anthocyanin (VA), and a group receiving anthocyanin treatment alone. Following a 56-day treatment period, the indicators of oxidative stress were gauged in the blood plasma, while histological modifications were evaluated utilizing the hematoxylin and eosin staining technique. Results: In the varicocele group treated with anthocyanin, we observed noteworthy enhancements in Johnsen score, epithelium thickness, and seminiferous tubule diameter compared to the untreated varicocele group. Treatment groups exhibited substantial elevations in testosterone levels and antioxidant enzyme levels. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an established marker of oxidative damage, and a decline in histological damage in the treatment groups. Conclusions: The outcomes underscore the potential safeguarding influence of anthocyanin against testicular damage stemming from varicocele induction, suggesting its beneficial role in countering oxidative stress and tissue impairment.